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Crime by the Book

A girl investigates crime fiction from around the world, by the book.
  • Blog
  • Quick Reviews
  • Nordic Noir
    • Introduction
    • Background
    • Book Recommendations
    • By Country
    • Interviews
    • Reviews
    • Features
  • #ReadWithCBTB
  • Features
  • Reading Lists
  • Events
  • Go-to Book Recs
  • As Seen In
  • About
  • Connect

the cbtb blog

One girl's ongoing investigation of the crime fiction genre.

Book Review: THE SECRETS SHE KEEPS by Michael Robotham

May 30, 2017

There are so many elements that make THE SECRETS SHE KEEPS a superior psychological thriller. In a crowded genre, it's becoming increasingly difficult to weed out the truly original and shocking from their slightly cliched - albeit often entertaining - counterparts. I'm here to make things easy for you: Michael Robotham has written a stunner. Pick this book up for its on-trend title and book jacketβ€”stay for its hair-raising plot, gut-punch twists, and richly-developed characters. Told in dual narratives, Robotham has crafted a crime novel that's a bit like watching two trains barreling head-on towards one another: you know the outcome can only be disaster, but you couldn't look away if you tried.

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In Book Recommendation, Book Review Tags Book Review, Book Recommendation, Psychological Thriller
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CBTB's Summer 2017 Reading List

May 25, 2017

Summer is officially here! You know what that means: time to stock up on reading material. The CBTB Summer Reading List has a little something for everyone. From addictive, twisty-turny psychological thrillers to a bloody serial killer thriller and some fantastic Nordic Noir choices, plus a short list of the books that I have lined up to read next! Read on to find your perfect summer crime book.

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In Book Recommendation, Summer Reading List Tags Summer Reading, Book Recommendation, Psychological Thriller, Scandinavian Crime Fiction, Nordic Noir
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Summer Reading Preview: EXQUISITE by Sarah Stovell @OrendaBooks

May 18, 2017

Yesterday I finished reading EXQUISITE by Sarah Stovell, and I'm still reeling from it. This blend of Fatal Attraction-meets-twisty thriller must be one of the most entertaining books I've read all year, and today I'm sharing 3 reasons why this book belongs on your TBR! I'll be sharing my full review of this book as part of its blog tour in June, but in the meantime, here's a preview of why EXQUISITE by Sarah Stovell is a must-read. 

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In Book Recommendation, Summer Reading Preview Tags Summer Reading, Psychological Thriller, Book Recommendation
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Book Review: SCARRED by Thomas Enger

May 16, 2017

Thomas Enger’s Henning Juul series has quickly become a staple of my crime fiction library. These books effortlessly blend a driving plot with vivid, three-dimensional characters, all built upon the foundation of brooding, atmospheric Scandinavian crime. The Henning Juul books are excellent recommendations for readers looking for an entry point into Scandinavian crime; this is a series that is both exemplary of the Nordic Noir genre, and that stands apart for its accessibility and bingeworthy pacing. 

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In Book Review, Book Recommendation, Scandinavian Crime, Series Recommendation Tags Book Review, Book Recommendation, Nordic Noir, Scandinavian Crime Fiction
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Book Review: SINCE WE FELL by Dennis Lehane

May 14, 2017

I have a bookish confession to make: SINCE WE FELL is the first Dennis Lehane book I’ve ever read. It’s safe to say I’m now a convert, and I’ll be making an intentional effort to get caught up on his backlist after devouring this masterful suspense novel. SINCE WE FELL is part sophisticated domestic drama, part unpredictable conspiracy, and part character study. Precisely plotted and expertly paced, SINCE WE FELL is a wholly impressive and immersive suspense read. 

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In Book Review, Book Recommendation Tags Book Review, Suspense Novel
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View fullsize My personal crime fiction collection πŸ•΅πŸ»‍β™€οΈπŸ–€ aka my favorite corner of my apartment. πŸ“šπŸ™ŒπŸ» If anyone feels so inclined, I’d love to see what YOUR bookshelves look like! Snap a pic, share in your stories, & tag me - I’d love to
View fullsize I can never say no to a creepy read with a gorgeous black & white cover. πŸ•΅πŸ»‍β™€οΈπŸ€πŸ–€ next on my TBR: THE SHADOWS by Alex North, available on my birthday, 7/7!!πŸ˜‰πŸ”Ž (huge thank you to @celadonbooks for this review copy!πŸ€“) •
Thank you guy
View fullsize Being stuck at home isn’t so bad when you’ve got a massive stack of books to read. πŸ•΅πŸ»‍β™€οΈπŸ–€ What’s on your social-distancing TBR?! πŸ“–
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I went WAY overboard with books I brought home to CT for my self-isolation TBR list. ?
View fullsize Early afternoon light & a large latte β˜•οΈ & a gripping crime read πŸ•΅πŸ»‍β™€οΈπŸ–€ aka the perfect combination πŸ™ŒπŸ»
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This right here is my usual Sunday tradition πŸ‘†πŸ» BUT I’ll be spending this Sunday (and this coming week, and probabl
View fullsize My last day in the city for a while calls for a lunch break coffee stop β˜•οΈπŸ–€ with my totally gripping current read πŸ•΅πŸ»‍♀️
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Today is my last day in Manhattan for a while πŸ˜” we’re all transitioning to working from home to try and preve
View fullsize In the midst of a crazy week, my brain needs a quick, binge-worthy read, and I think this beauty right here is just the ticket. πŸ‘ŒπŸ»πŸ–€ NO BAD DEED by Heather Chavez is on sale now, and I can’t wait to dive in! πŸ•΅πŸ»‍♀️
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Friends, I can&
View fullsize Happy Monday, friends! πŸ–€ Back in NYC and back to work after an amazing (if much too short) visit to Oslo πŸ‡³πŸ‡΄ annnd currently drinking a cold brew β˜•οΈ at my desk & hoping it keeps me awake this afternoon πŸ˜‚ jet lag + not enough sleep last night =
View fullsize Last looks at beautiful Oslo πŸ‡³πŸ‡΄ for this trip. ❀️ So very sad to leave, but I’m bringing wonderful memories & a suitcase stuffed with books πŸ“š back to NYC with me. πŸ˜‰ See you soon, Oslo... you know I can’t stay away for long. πŸ₯°β€οΈ
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View fullsize Spent today doing all my favorite things in Oslo, so obviously a coffee stop was included. β˜•οΈπŸ–€ How are you spending your Saturday?! •
Okay I used to always think the phrase “living your best life” was SO cheesy but if I’m bein
View fullsize *Years* of admiring this Norwegian edition of my favorite book (THE SNOWMAN by Jo Nesbø) have finally resulted in this. πŸ•΅πŸ»‍β™€οΈπŸ–€ Best. Purchase. Ever. πŸ™ŒπŸ»
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Does anyone else collect books by a favorite author?! πŸ“š I don’t have

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